The TH Interview: Lauren Gropper, host of HGTV's Green Force
by Treehugger Interns on 09.12.06
You may remember that last December, TreeHugger was helping to look for a host for a new HGTV show. Well, that HGTV show now has a name -- Green Force -- and is set to air in the Spring of 2007. We tracked down new host Lauren Gropper for a quick interview to find out more about the show and the role TreeHugger played in helping Lauren land the job.
TreeHugger: How did you get involved with Green Force?
Lauren Gropper: Well, I have a background in green building consulting and I was working as a consultant in New York when a friend saw a posting for the "next green tv host" on TreeHugger and passed it on to me! After a series of interviews and screen tests, I was told I needed to move to Canada to start production.
TH: What's the format for Green Force? Can you provide an example of an episode that you're currently working on, or one that you've already shot?
LG: Green Force is a documentary-style reality show in which an urban community space is given a green makeover. Each episode will be a half-hour, airing on HGTV this spring. One of my favorite episodes shot so far was a makeover at a local HIV/AIDS hospice called Casey House. One of the key components of the makeover was a community garden -- it was incredible to see the way that this garden brought the community together. So the emphasis is not just on the process of design and construction, but really on the sustainability of the communities and the lives of the people that we are working with.
TH: What makes the show "green"?
LG: I think the name says it all - Green Force. We bring back green spaces and incorporate sustainable design to neglected urban areas that would otherwise stay neglected -- but beyond just trees, plants, and grass, we source green materials that are recycled reclaimed, locally produced, sustainably harvested, and energy efficient. We also recycle the asphalt that we dig up.
Another green component of the show is the way in which our makeovers aim to address storm-water management issues and water conservation -- most of the plants we specify are drought tolerant (which do not require extra watering) and our hardscapes and paved areas are permeable, allowing for maximum drainage, groundwater recharge, and ultimately less pollution going into our rivers and lakes.
TH: How are the show's content and locations chosen?
LG: The content of the show is a collaborative effort between the production company (Tricon Films and Television), the network (HGTV), the communities that we work with, the producer, director, and the hosts. Locations were pre-established by our production company, based on community-need.
TH: In what ways do you think the show will push "green" further into the mainstream?
LG: Hopefully the show will help to de-mystify the green design and construction industry by providing simple solutions that viewers can identify with.
TH: Do you think we can expect more shows in the future will cover "green" content, similar to how there are currently so many shows about fashion? Is "green" the "next big thing" as far as the television industry is concerned?
LG: Now that "green" has become accepted in the mainstream media, I think there is certainly an opportunity to show people what "green" is all about in a fresh and accessible way, one that isn't preachy or over-the-top granola.
TH: What green building practices are you most excited about?
LG: I get most excited about zero-energy homes, buildings that are "off-the-grid" and able to provide their own power needs through passive design and renewable energy sources - very cool.
TH: How do you live a TreeHugger lifestyle?
LG: I do my best, but there's always room for improvement on that one! I have to say I'm proud to have not owned a car in 10 years. But then I'm not a vegetarian...always room for improvement!
Lauren Gropper is host of the HGTV show "Green Force", which will begin airing on HGTV in the Spring of 2007.
[Interview conducted by Treehugger intern Dave Chiu]
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Hi! I saw your show for the first time and was very excited. We are a small village of 620 people. We are in the process of trying to save a beautiful church building that is located in the heart of our community. We have joined Communities in Bloom this year and we have a lot of plans. We are trying to instill a sense of pride in our citizens. Being such a small community, financea re always a challenge. There are a group of us that are determined to change this and to beautify. We also desperately need a place for the youth to come together. We are thinking of using the church basement as a possible site for the youth, however it needs some work. This building could be used for the whole community, ie exercise classes, farmers market, bingos, Christmas celebrations (it is located right next to a Tot Park.), dances, meetings, showers, family dinners, dionner theatres, Mother's Day celebrations & sales etc etc.Our youth would also love a skateboard park. Right now they are on the streets or in the backs of buildings. Would we have any hope of the Green Force coming out to our little Village of Warburg, Alberta, and helping us with this project. I believe this could be the beginning of the revival of our community. If so, what do you require from us? Please help us if you can!! Linda McLaughlin, Chairperson for Communities in Bloom, Warburg, AB 780 848 2206
hi! this is alex davis from st.Charles school.
i am very proud of how u enchouraged kids from my school to get out side and to experiance wonderfullness.
I was in 6th grade at the time now going to grade 8, once again thank you very much for the happiness u have brought to our school and it will be a memory that I, and the whole school will never forget.
sinceraly
Alex Davis
P.S. Keep up the great work!
Hi! I am a vice principal of an elementary school in Saskatchewan and have been doing various fundraising projects for the last six years in order to improve our dismal playground area. We have been able to level some areas of the playground, and have added playground equipment, and an asphalt asurface for basketball and a rink in the winter months. Now, we are trying to create an outdoor classroom. I recently watched your show on St. Charles School and was thrilled with the results. Is it possible to get plans for the outdoor theatre area. I think it might be better than any plans we have come up with so far. looking forward to
Hi! I am a vice principal of an elementary school in Saskatchewan and have been doing various fundraising projects for the last six years in order to improve our dismal playground area. We have been able to level some areas of the playground since it turns into a swamp in the spring. We have also added playground equipment, and an asphalt asurface for basketball and a rink in the winter months. Now, we are trying to create an outdoor classroom. I recently watched your show on St. Charles School and was thrilled with the results. Is it possible to get plans for the outdoor theatre area. I think it might be better than any plans we have come up with so far. Looking forward to hearing from you.